The main reason I have for shunting Robin out wide is that we’ve got some midfielders in a rich vein of form that need to see some minutes on the pitch. The injury to Kagawa on Tuesday seems to have postponed the discussion on where/how our Japanese midfielder best fits into a Manchester United starting XI, but there are still a plethora of combinations and permutations that the gaffer could piece together when the Reds take on Chelsea at the Bridge this weekend. The presence of van Persie and Rooney both in the team means that they MUST be on the pitch together from the start. In addition to the two strikers, only de Gea’s position in goal, and the back line of Rafael, Evans, Ferdinand, and Evra pick themselves. After that the remaining four positions are quite debatable.

The reasoning behind the title of this piece is that this author humbly believes that a 3 man midfield of Cleverley, Anderson, and Fletcher/Carrick is just what is needed to stymie a Chelsea side that is leading the Premier League table by a comfortable 4 points at this early stage of the season. Anderson is a player that divides opinion amongst United supporters, but I belong to the group who believes the Brazilian is due some time on the pitch to showcase his talents. Anderson’s ability to run with the ball is something unique to him and maybe only Shinji Kagawa in Manchester United’s midfield. Carrick, Scholes, and Cleverley are all excellent passers but have no real physical presence to speak of. Scholes’ advancing age makes me wary of starting him in a match against a midfield likely to consist of Mikel and Ramires holding behind Hazard, Mata, and Oscar. Against that sort of opposition, our best bet is to meet them with a 3 man midfield, Rooney leading the line, with Valencia wide right and van Persie wide left.